Packaging Testing Senior Scientist H/F/X

Packaging Testing Senior Scientist

Segment: Mars Global Services

Contract: Permanent/CDI

Localisation: Aimargues, Veghel

As a Packaging Testing Senior Scientist, you’ll play a critical role in making sure our packaging materials are safe, high-quality, and fully compliant with global regulations. You’ll lead the development and validation of cutting-edge testing methods — working with both internal labs and trusted external partners — to ensure we deliver products that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

What are we looking for?

• A Master’s or PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Material Science, Packaging Science, or a related field
• At least 7 years of hands-on experience in packaging testing, ideally in the food, cosmetics, or consumer goods industry
• Deep understanding of packaging materials — from plastics and recycled content to adhesives, inks, and paper
• Experience in Food Contact Materials (FCM), Chemical Migration testing, and NIAS screening (from method development to data interpretation)
• Strong technical skills in laboratory testing methods such as GC, HPLC, MS, ICP, SPE, and more
• Solid knowledge of food contact regulations (EU 10/2011, FDA CFR 21), and ideally ISO 17025 lab requirements
• Experience working with or managing global lab networks, including method transfer and troubleshooting
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate complex science into clear actions
• Fluent English (spoken and written)

What would be your key responsibilities?

Lead Packaging Testing Capabilities

• Design and validate testing methods to assess packaging safety, compliance, and performance
• Monitor emerging risks and new testing trends (e.g., PFAS, microplastics, NIAS, etc.)
• Ensure our methods meet business and regulatory needs worldwide

Build & Manage External Lab Partnerships

• Identify and qualify third-party labs to support global packaging testing
• Create strong technical collaborations across chemistry, toxicology, and regulatory science
• Support labs with expert guidance, method troubleshooting, and continuous improvement

Ensure Quality, Compliance, and Operational Excellence

• Deliver high-quality technical documentation (SOPs, protocols, QC plans)
• Drive consistency and accuracy across internal and external lab networks
• Act as a technical owner for packaging methods within our global governance system

Drive Innovation and Lab Capability Building

• Recommend new testing technologies and equipment based on business needs
• Contribute to investment decisions and help shape the future of Mars’ testing infrastructure
• Support global lab teams with training, method development, and operational excellence initiatives

What can you expect from Mars?

• You will work in a multicultural environment (more than 40 nationalities) and you will work in a unique campus, which gathers more than 800 Associates working for: the international HQ, the French subsidiary, two laboratories, a kennel and a cattery with more than 200 cats & dogs, and finally the most important factory of the Royal Canin group
• You will evolve in the heart of an innovative production plant that will challenge you, on a daily basis
• The mission of Mars Global Services Associates? To be the foundation that serves, protects and supports our business.
• By joining our 200 Mars Global Services Associates, the diversity of encounters will be your daily life: Digital Technologies, Finance, People & Organization, Insights, Laboratories, Commercial, the Mars Global Services Associates accompany the transformation and growth of each of our segments.
• The bonus: the Mars Global Services HQ are located in Haguenau, alongside the Mars Wrigley teams. A perfect opportunity to create great synergies between our associates
• One Mars Sustainable in a Generation achievement: all our Mars factories worldwide have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 31%, which is equivalent to more than half a million tons of carbon

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.

A PROPOS DE MARS

Quel est le point commun entre M&M's®, Snickers®, Freedent®, Whiskas®, Pedigree®, Royal Canin®, Ben's Original® ou encore Suzi Wan® ? Ce sont toutes des marques du Groupe Mars !

Parmi les leaders mondiaux de l'agroalimentaire, Mars est l’une des rares grandes entreprises familiales non cotées en bourse. Soutenu par ses marques légendaires et une culture d’entreprise unique, le Groupe offre également un monde d’opportunités à ses collaborateurs, appelés Associés.

MARS EN FRANCE

Mars emploie plus de 4 000 collaborateurs en France, appelés Associés, basés sur 9 usines et sites ainsi que sur le terrain.
Mars est certifiée entreprise préférée des stagiaires et alternants au classement Happy Trainees, dans le Top 10 depuis 11 ans.

Chez Mars, nous considérons les candidats qualifiés de manière équitable, sans faire de distinction liée à l’ethnicité, la couleur de peau, la religion, le genre, l'orientation sexuelle, l'identité de genre, l'origine nationale, le handicap, ou toute autre caractéristique protégée par la loi. Si vous avez besoin d’un aménagement lors du processus de candidature en raison d'un handicap, n'hésitez pas à nous en faire part. Cette demande n’affectera en aucun cas votre candidature.